The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-04-07

ought not to be any special need for the unifca-
ton of Methodist forces. Yet sometimes, in
given city, where there are four. five or dozen
Methodist churches, there seems to be as little
or less fellowship and cooperation than one will
find in the same number Of churches that do not
have the strong correctional bonds that we be-
lieve we have. This system OF rotating the pas
tors is not the best possible system
for the unifcaton of Christian effort
That is to say, as long as l
do not believe this is the best possible world the
Almighty could make, leave room to suppose
there is room for improvement IN the ltineracy.
/ am sure there is excuse for a want OF unity
of purpose and effort on the part of any mum Der
of Methodist churches that may be planted In
city. There is no question but your efficiency
will be enhanced IL you have definite purpose
in view. Find ont what you want and then con-
centrate your efforts for what you desire. The
problem of these days for the consideration of
the Christian church, for our church and every
other church is the evangelization of
which are the peculiar feature of
these times. You need not worry much
about the country. about the land, about the
South, where I belong-the most perplexing
problem of the Christian church to-day is in the
great cities of the North. The question is how
can get these masses of people congregated in
our cities and save them for Christ and human
ity, for the country and for God! There are
many things We can do. Church extension So
ceties for local purposes can do much In Bos-
ed which to-day.are self-sustaining. That can
be done in this city, of course.
would suggest aggressive Christian work
Seek out each church for itself, some place
that will be convenient for a mission and
put in some of its best men and women for
teachers organize a Sunday school. and then
build church, ami send for a pastor. Form a
social union, as was done in Boston, where a
person could belong by paying So year. and
getting nine good dinrers for the money beside.
At every meeting, discuss something that has
relation to the work of the church This union
is made up of representative men of all the
churches of Boston and vicinity. They put their
heads together with the ministers and advise
things for the benefit and advancement of
the church II you make Methodism what ii
should be in this city, it will be sure to affect
the country in all directions / believe. with
every church like this and even with smaller
churches, there ought to be connected one OF
more missionaries to canvass every portion OF
the city. District the city off and have mission
aries to 60 from house to house. Inquire into
the condition of the people. They will find
persons that have been connected with
churches-others without special church af
fiiation, others with letters from Methodist
churches In other places that they have never
presented. Get the children into the Sunday
! school Have the pastor visit these persons and
use his personal efforts to get them into the
| church and their children into the Sunday
| school, If you work this method you will
| in little while have revival of religion. Re-
! vivalists are good enough bat the fires you
affairs should be kept burning continually"